What does 'Peacebuilding' aim to achieve?

Peacebuilding aims to establish lasting peace through various development initiatives. This involves addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering the necessary conditions for sustainable peace. Such initiatives can include promoting political dialogue, strengthening institutions, rebuilding economies, ensuring social justice, and encouraging community engagement. The emphasis is on creating resilience in societies to prevent the recurrence of violence, fostering reconciliation among different groups, and ensuring that the benefits of peace are shared broadly among the population.

The focus on development initiatives is critical, as mere cessation of hostilities does not guarantee lasting peace. Effective peacebuilding works on multiple levels, addressing social, economic, and political factors that contribute to unrest. Establishing long-term systems for governance, economic opportunity, and social cohesion is essential for ensuring that peace is not only achieved but also maintained.

In contrast, a permanent military presence would not align with peacebuilding's goals, as it can create dependency and may contribute to the perception of ongoing occupation rather than cooperation. Additionally, fostering conflict for leverage directly contradicts the principles of peacebuilding, which seeks to reduce tensions. Similarly, while the elimination of military forces can be a part of the post-conflict recovery process, it does not alone ensure that peace is built or maintained in a sustainable way.